Review of Park Hyatt Saigon, by Chloe Loyd

The Park Hyatt Saigon has the edge as Ho Chi Minh City’s top-ranking five-star hotel. In prime position, overlooking the Opera House in Lam Son Square, the Hyatt was designed by Damansara Architects and EDC Design from Malaysia. It is a successful reflection of Vietnamese modern luxury with hints of nostalgia from the city’s French colonial past.

The pillared lobby is a vast area of teak wooden floor softened by oriental rugs and lush green tropical pot plants. Indochine-style furniture, an original antique glass ceiling panel and a huge, striking urn-like lamp create an atmosphere of style and elegance. Colours are muted, gold and green sofas with rich silk cushions, softly lit by Vietnamese lamps. Specially commissioned local panelled art graces the walls - one particularly coveted panel is a local scene painted over a mosaic of French newspaper. Orchids in glass vases are amongst the limited accessories. A grand piano is played most evenings, creating a softly refined atmosphere. It’s a simple style, continuous throughout the hotel, sure to last.

Lazing in the leafy green pool area on the third floor it’s hard to believe you are in the centre of Saigon. Sheltered from the bustle of the traffic, the spacious pool and spa area is both tranquil and reviving. A series of gentle jacuzzi jets constantly whirl in the swimming pool. Clean towels and cold drinking water are always to hand, as are offerings of fresh fruit. A bar and tabled terrace area adjoin the sunbathing patio at the poolside. A jacuzzi, steam room, fitness studio and seven treatment rooms await in the Xuan Spa. The name denotes “Spring” and treatments are varied offering a combination of Vietnamese and oriental-inspired therapies and beauty packages. Three large function rooms are in the basement. Smaller meeting rooms are also available. Other facilities include reportedly the only cigar shop in the city.

The 252 rooms were designed to feel like a Vietnamese residence, no doubt a deluxe one. Floors are wooden and the beds are large with quality linens and silk cushions. Flat screen TVs, a writing desk and silk upholstered armchairs are in each room. Framed black and white photographs of local scenes from the colonial era give a sense of history. Excellent soundproofing, even street side rooms are sheltered from the busy neighbouring road. Bathrooms are cleverly designed, the two doors creating an optionally open-plan affect. The vast rain showers are fantastically revitalising and a never-ending supply of bathroom amenities are encased in a beautifully crafted bamboo box.

Service is excellent; staff are always at hand, quietly discrete and eager to please. Best rooms are the Deluxe rooms and Park suite with direct pool deck access. Breakfast is a treat, buffet style with a freshly made variety of breads, delicious muesli and fruits. Cooked breakfast, both Vietnamese and Western, is also available.